Exploring the range of role models and case studies in STEM careers

The Science Council has released a report titled 'Exploring the range of role models and case studies in STEM careers' written by Dr Pat Morton of the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University. The report is a result of the Science for Careers Expert Group Action Plan which was published in March 2010 and identified the need to expand the breadth of role models and case studies in STEM beyond traditional academic, research and HE to include those illustrating '"the excitement and satisfaction achieved from real jobs".

The report investigated the range and type of role models and case studies already available from different STEM organisations, examining what a good case study looks like and also exploring some of the different media available to showcase case studies. The report also made a number of recommendations related to what was perceived to be lacking from the current range of case studies.

The findings included:

  • Many organisations may contain career profiles or case studies but these are often very difficult to find and access; websites need to be much clearer in signposting to their case studies
  • Information contained within a case study can vary hugely and those case studies that contain very little information other than basic details, do not really serve much purpose in promoting careers, content needs to be much richer
  • Technician and apprentice case studies are not widely available - a large majority are university-based
  • Black and minority ethnic (BME) case studies are not widely available
  • Technology and Chemistry are the least covered areas; with sector gaps also reflecting this absence as chemistry and computing case studies are often not covered
  • Disability is largely invisible in case studies

Recommendations identified by the report are as follows:

  • Case studies need to challenge stereotypes - organisations need to include more ethnic minority case studies along with role models with disability
  • Role models alone will not create change and solve the STEM skills shortage - they need to be part of a progressive engagement with STEM and careers
  • Basic information alone about a person is not enough to change perceptions - case studies need to include information about salary expectations, 'a day in the life of', progression rout to employment etc.
  • Case studies that include content such as short video footage (ideally less than 5 minutes length), and capitalise on media outlets such as You Tube, Twitter etc. are more appealing to young people
  • Employers need to be aware of their audience when creating cases studies and need to better signpost their content, making it as easy-to-use and as visually appealing as possible

The report also contains a list of 25 excellent exemplar role models / case studies for organisations to draw on for good practice; organisations / campaigns that received particularly high praise from the report's author included: Step into the NHS, Centrica graduate profiles on You Tube, Physics.org and Careers Box. The full list can be found in the report below.

For more information visit the Science Council website.

Download the report below.



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